Whether you are landing bass, walleye, muskie or steelhead from a boat (or are in the water with the fish) a well-designed fishing net can make life a lot easier.
You need a net that will not tangle, get caught up in hooks, and not be abrasive to the fish you are landing. For that reason, I recommend that all fishermen have a good fishing net in the boat or at hand.
On second thought, even a good fishing net isn’t enough, we need the best one. We don’t want to lose the fish of our life simply because we wanted to save a few bucks or didn’t do the proper research beforehand.
In this article, we will look at a variety of fishing nets that are worthy of being on the water with you and you can be confident will perform time after time.
Table of Contents
What is the best fishing net?
Here is a quick preview of my top 6, for more information on each option, please keep reading below.
- Ranger Knotless Flat Bottom Net – Ideal for bass and walleye
- SF Fly Fishing Net – ideal for fly fishermen
- KastKing MadBite Fishing Net
- Fiblink Folding
- KUFA Telescope
- ProMar ProMesh
Ranger Knotless Flat Bottom
Features: (Specs based on 458TS Model)
- Telescopic
- Nylon Netting with a rubber coating
- 3/4 size holes
- Handle length: 29 inches to 45 inches
- Hoop Size: 20 inches x 20 inches
- Net Depth 24 inches
- Collapsed Measurements: 31 inches by 20 inches
- Species: Bass, Walleye, Pike
The first net that we are going to take a closer look at is the Ranger Knotless Flat Bottom Net.
This is a telescopic tournament series net that was designed to be user-friendly and durable. This is a great choice for a landing net and is a great gear addition to any boat that carries a team serious about angling.
Instead of the netting material being full rubber, they use nylon netting with a rubber coating. This cuts down on the overall weight of the net while still giving it a knotless and hookless quality that anglers enjoy in their landing nets because of the amount of frustration it can save you from.
The netting has ¾” holes so the net can move smoothly through the water without producing too much water resistance making it much easier to get underneath the fish.
All parts of the aluminum handle and hoops are anodized black providing the net with extra strength and corrosion resistance.
There are quite a few models available ranging in length, hoop diameter, and net depth. For example, the model pictured above is their 20 x 20 net that can extend up to 45 inches, but they also have a 28 x 30 that can extend up to 84 inches.
This is a telescopic net so the handle length can be adjusted. In addition, because it is telescopic it can easily be collapsed down making it a great option for kayak fishermen.
While this is a durable and all around well-built net, it is a bit pricier than other nets on this list, but it is also one of the best.
SF Fly Fishing Net
Features:
- Made for fly fishing
- Rubberized material
- Clear Color net
- Available in Tear Drop, Square Head or Round Head options
- Handle Length: 6.7 inches
- Hoop: 7.5 inches by 17 inches by 8.5 inches deep
- Species: Trout, Bass
Most of the net options on this list are longer models made for landing fish while fishing from the boat or bank.
We wanted to include an option for those who might be wading and fly fishing. One such option is the SF Fly Fishing Net
The SF Fly Fishing Landing Trout Net uses a clear, soft, and wide rubberized netting material. This material is excellent for trout fishing for several reasons. It will not tangle, and your small dry-fly will not become wrapped up and hooked in it like mesh netting.
This type of netting is also gentle on soft scaled trout. When catching and releasing trout, it is important that they are handled correctly.
The handle on this net is roughly 6.7″ in length with hoop dimensions of 7.5″ x 17″. The net hoop is 8.5″ deep. These specs are right on the money for typical trout species.
It can be easily attached to your sling or vest and left out-of-the-way while you are working the water, but easily accessible when needed.
Overall, this is a well made, durable, and good-looking net to be carried while in the river.
You may also enjoy reading: Can You Fly Fish For Bass?
KastKing MadBite Fishing Net
Features: (Specs Based on 16 inch net model)
- Collapsible
- Water Repellant Material
- Handle length: 20 inches
- Extends to 35 inches
- Collapsed Measurements: 21 inches
- Net Size: 16 x 16 x 16
- Weight: 13 ounces
- Available in 3 different sizes
- Species: Bass, Walleye ( we recommend the 20 inch option)
The next on our list is the KastKing MadBite Fishing Net.
As you can see from the photo, the hoop and rod handle are built from a glass fiber material that has a lot more flexing properties but can bounce back to its original shape. This is a great net quality for those scooping up trophy fish.
These nets are available in three models ranging from a fixed handle to a two section telescopic, and finally a three section telescopic so you have some options regarding the length of the net. The telescopic models are extremely easy to adjust, and they lock into position tightly and remain secured.
The fixed handle has an overall length of 35″ with a 16″ net, the two-piece model has a 45″ overall length with a 20″ net, and the biggest option extends to 76″ in total length with a 24″ net.
The mesh netting is water-repellent, so you won’t end up with a net that feels fifteen pounds heavier unless there is a fish in there!
The net uses an easy push button folding mechanism. All three models have the ability to become compact for easy storage or more convenient carrying if you are on the move.
When handling this net, you can immediately tell that it is well constructed and can land fish for you for trip after trip.
Fiblink Folding
Features:
- Nylon Mesh
- Foldable
- Extended Length: 60 inches
- Handle Length: 25 to 40 inches
- 20 inches Deep
- 25 inches when folded
- Species: Bass, Walleye
Next up is the Fiblink Folding Landing Net.
This aluminum landing net by Fiblink is constructed from durable and corrosion resistant aluminum that has been anodized.
It uses a nylon mesh material for the netting that is tangle free and resists getting caught up and tangled with hooks.
The Fiblink net is available in three length options, each of them having a triangular hoop. The models include a 25”-40” overall length with 65” perimeter net hoop and a net depth of 20”. This model is great for big trophy fish where the large net opening and shorter handle provides more lifting power.
The second model has an overall length 29”-64” with a 53” net hoop perimeter and 17” net depth. The third model features a 40”-100” overall length with a 65” net perimeter and 17” net depth.
Adjustment and folding mechanism are easy to use, and they also secure tightly, so you don’t have to worry about the equipment slipping during intense moments of landing a fish of a lifetime.
These net models feature large and easy to grip rubber handles that provide better handling and maneuverability in any weather condition and when landing large fish.
KUFA Telescope
Features:
- Telescopic
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Hoop Size: 23 inches x 23 inches
- Handle Length: 27 inches to 47 inches
The last fishing net we are going to look at is the KUFA Telescope Landing Net.
This telescopic landing net from KUFA offers a fantastic deal for a sturdy and reliable landing net. This landing net is also very lightweight coming in at only 1.3lbs.
The net is reinforced at key pressure areas and features excellent locking mechanisms at collapsing and length adjustment points.
This is available in a single model that has a 27-47” adjustable handle and can collapse for convenient storage. The net hoop is 23”x23” so you should not have a problem with a fish not fitting, though that wouldn’t be a bad problem to have.
The nylon mesh netting will not tangle or harm any fish species that is landed using this net, which we hope is many of them.
Features:
- Hook Resistant
- Telescopic
- Handle Length: 36 inches
- 18 inches by 20 inches hoops
- Available in two different sizes
- Species: Bass, Walleye
Are you tired of getting your lure’s hooks snagged in the net? Not only can this be frustrating, but it can also be dangerous.
If you have ever experienced the above, you need to try on the ProMar ProMesh. It is made with a unique material that is both safe for the fish and also hook resistant.
Hook Resistant? How can that be?
Well, the netting materials has very small holes, this makes it extremely difficult (and unlikely) for your lures to get caught in the net. This is a must-have for fishermen who like to fish with treble hooks lures such as: crankbaits, jerkbaits and spoons.
It is available in two different sizes medium and large. The medium option is 36 inches long and the hoop is 18 inches by 20 inches.
FAQ SECTION
How much does a fishing net weigh? A typical fishing net used for freshwater fishing weighs between 1 to 3 pounds depending on its size. There are some nets that can weigh less than a pound.
Is net fishing illegal? That depends on what fish you are targeting. For freshwater fish such as bass, walleye, pike or muskie, yes, net fishing is illegal. Because fishing laws vary depending on where you live, it is always best to consult your local fishing laws before trying something new.
What are fishing nets made of? Most nets today are made from a nylon mesh material or a rubberized material. This makes them lightweight and doesn’t do harm to the fish.
Do I need a net for kayak fishing? In order to increase your chances of landing more fish, it is better to have a net with you at all times even when fishing from a kayak.
Final Thoughts…
There you have it! Our thoughts on what net we think to be the best fishing net.
Keep in mind though, that for many anglers, most of the time used making gear decisions is spent on rods and reels. Do not neglect the fishing net. We have provided several excellent net options that will make time spent on the water much more enjoyable.
Do not miss catching the biggest fish of your life not having the right net in the boat. We are confident that with the purchase of any of the aforementioned nets you will confidently be able to say, “This is the best fishing net!”
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